Holiday films can be enchanting and unusual. For many, these movies define their most unforgettable moments and evoke a sense of festive cheer. Few activities are more serene than lounging on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve with gingerbread cookies, cozying up to a blazing fire while your go-to Christmas film plays. Additionally, indulging in a few guilty pleasures throughout the festive season holds a certain allure. If you're in search of the paramount Christmas films of all time, your quest ends here. We've also got intriguing options if you wish to spice things up with an unconventional Christmas movie. Elevate your movie-watching experience with Twinkly RGB Curtains or string lights. You can personalize the hues to set the perfect vibe, whether you're enjoying a beloved classic from our Best lists or choosing a peculiar pick from our Weird list.
Four of the Greatest Christmas Films Ever
A Christmas Story (1993)
A Christmas Story is a timeless holiday favorite. The narrative follows Ralphie's pursuit of a Red Ryder B.B. gun. Ultimately, he receives it, but it doesn't live up to his expectations, leading him to discover the true essence of Christmas. The storyline in this iconic classic is compelling. However, the interspersed episodes, such as Ralphie's “fudge” moment and the commotion caused by the Bumpass hounds, are as crucial to the film as the recurring line, “you'll shoot your eye out, kid.”
The Santa Claus (1994)
The Santa Claus is a 1994 seasonal movie starring Tim Allen as Scott Calvin (Santa Claus). The plot centers on Allen's character, his son Charlie, and their familial separation. Scott Calvin stopped believing in Santa at a young age. But when Santa plummets off his roof and perishes, Scott inadvertently becomes the new Santa. The film explores Scott's initial skepticism about the Christmas spirit. He's a workaholic who rarely spends time with his son. Yet by the film's conclusion, he embodies the holiday spirit. Tim Allen offers an outstanding performance in this heartwarming favorite.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra's *It's a Wonderful Life* is arguably the finest family Christmas film ever made. It depicts George Bailey's life in Bedford Falls, NY, filled with dreams of a brighter future. When these dreams don't manifest, he considers ending his life, but an angel from heaven intervenes, showing him the world without him. The film's ambition is awe-inspiring, managing to succeed where many films fall short. It stands as one of the grand achievements in film history. James Stewart's portrayal of George Bailey is also heralded as one of the finest performances ever.
Die Hard (1990)
Although Die Hard could be considered one of the most peculiar Christmas films, its creators achieved one of the most distinctive triumphs in filmmaking. How does one create a thrilling action-packed Christmas movie? Bruce Willis stars as John McClain, a New York cop on a mission to mend his relationship with estranged wife, Holly McClain. The plot thickens when German terrorists seize Nakatomi Plaza, Holly's workplace. Die Hard offers an unconventional Christmas tale, providing a reprieve from the more solemn holiday films, allowing you to relish some excitement with family or friends during the festive season. Honorable mentions for the Best Classic Christmas Movies: Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas in Connecticut
Unusual Christmas Films
Santa Claus (1959)
Jolly old St. Nick, Lucifer, and Merlin the wizard rarely cross paths. Yet in one of the oddest Christmas films ever, Santa Claus, they engage in a crucial battle for the mortal souls of children worldwide. The film begins with Santa in his spacefaring palace on Christmas night, as he and his “elves” — who resemble overworked children more than whimsical helpers — rush to prepare for his annual journey. But the devil has other schemes, enlisting his main demon Pitch to take over Earth from “that bearded old goat Santa Claus” and “make all the children of the Earth do evil.” The demon corrupts three naughty boys while he and Santa battle over the hearts and minds of Lupita, a poor girl yearning for a new doll. For some inexplicable reason, Merlin is Santa's most trusted ally in this cosmic showdown. The movie is filled with truly bizarre moments. One particularly notable scene sees Pitch cause a nightmare for Lupita, where life-sized dancing dolls try to convince her to steal. And the unsettling animatronic reindeer laughter is unforgettable. Still, nothing captures the film's surreal logic better than the lengthy conversation between Santa and his helper Pedro.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)
While it's a stretch to label this 1985 stop-motion film from Rankin/Bass Productions (famous for Rudolph and Frosty) a failure, its bizarre Christmas world-building compensates for any technical shortcomings. Knowing it's based on the 1902 children's book by L. Frank Baum, author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” hints at its blend of eccentricity and imagination. The plot involves *deep breath* an immortal being named The Great Ak discovering an infant Claus at the enchanted forest's edge. He entrusts the baby to the lioness Shiegra until the wood nymph Necile steals the child to raise herself, making him the only mortal in the realm of Immortals and sympathetic to human children's plights. Claus decides to make toys to bring them joy, much to the dismay of King Awgwa, who steers kids toward mischief, leading to a war between the Awgwas and the Immortals. The Great Ak finally persuades the council to grant Claus eternal life. Phew! This Santa origin story stands out for its convoluted yet charming take, topping holiday lists for many nostalgic viewers.
The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
We all know Star Wars, with iconic moments like “I am your father” and Leia's signature cinnamon-bun hair, and even the infamous Jar Jar Binks. However, this isn't that — and yet, it somehow is. Following the massive success of “A New Hope” in 1977, grossing over $450 million, the future of the Star Wars franchise was still uncertain. Seeking to keep the franchise in public consciousness while working on the second film, George Lucas greenlit a CBS production for a Star Wars holiday special. Managed by what Vox describes as “a dream team of variety show producers” and featuring the original cast alongside a mix of contemporary celebrities, it quickly spiraled out of control without George Lucas's tight oversight. The result is a fascinating entry in the Odd Christmas Movies hall of fame — a piece Disney would likely prefer to forget. The variety show stars Chewbacca as he travels home to celebrate “Life Day” with his family. The grotesque Wookiee family scenes, featuring surprisingly conventional attire, are told pretty much…
only through the characteristic sounds of his species, creating an arduous viewing experience. Yet, that's not the strangest aspect of the special. One of the most divisive scenes features Chewbacca's father, Itchy, in an erotic virtual reality session with the singer Diahann Carroll. Another scene transforms the Mos Eisley cantina into a segment reminiscent of Cheers, starring Golden Girls' Bea Arthur as the bartender. The band Jefferson Starship even shows up for a complete performance, bathed in late-70s neon lighting. It's a disastrous, awkward jumble, so much so that it has been rejected by every Star Wars cast member — and I highly endorse it. If for no other reason than to witness Chewie's son Lumpy. Look at this guy! 
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)
If there's anything I've gathered from this, it's that Santa has more adversaries than I anticipated. In this unsuccessful blend of festive cheer and sci-fi space opera, a group of Martians intend to abduct St. Nick and bring him to their planet. The objective is presumably to instill a sense of fun in the Martian children, where playtime is seemingly prohibited. Naturally, to distinguish the genuine Santa Claus from the fakes, they must first kidnap two Earth children. The scheme goes off without a hitch, and a kidnapped Santa starts producing toys for Martian children from a new factory on Mars. However, the militant Martian, Voldar, and his accomplices believe that the leaders of Mars have become too lenient and devise a plan to eliminate Santa and the two children. Ultimately, Santa doesn't exactly “conquer” the Martians but persuades them to appoint their own gift-giving figure and allows himself and the kids to return home. The premise is peculiar enough, but what really sets this movie apart are the dreadful acting and some of the most laughably low-budget set and costume designs ever captured on film. For example, this polar bear, or virtually any other ludicrous moment throughout the entire production. The film is widely regarded as one of the worst ever made, and rightly so. However, like all of these remarkable holiday movies, it's the kind of fiasco that you cannot look away from, a cult favorite among enthusiasts of outrageous cinematic choices. Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, keeping the Irish cream nearby for an added boost if needed!
Conclusion- A Guide to the Oddest and Finest Christmas Movies of All Time
Deciding which films to watch during the festive season can be a challenge. You also don't want to revisit the same movies repeatedly. It's refreshing to balance classic Christmas films with some unconventional ones. Whether you're seeking a family Christmas movie or a romantic comedy, there's something for everyone in this collection of the weirdest and best Christmas movies. Gift All Season is here for all your Christmas lighting and decoration requirements. If you're looking to enhance your holiday viewing atmosphere, come explore our wide array of Christmas lights. We offer cutting-edge brands like Twinkly and RGB Christmas lights to make your Christmas shine. Browse our selection of holiday lights and discover which ones captivate you the most!
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